I had a couple of folks email me about the fabrics I used in my Scrappy Trip Around the World. (Just a "programming note:" If your comments are set to no reply it means just that. I can't answer your questions with a return email!)
I had a large collection of 1930's reproduction fabrics. One of my all time favorite is Judie Rothermel's that represented countries from around the world. That was sort of what sparked the quilt. (btw...if anyone has any of the Pink Paris Eiffel tower or the Orange Middle East fabric shown in the quilt above..I just used my last little bit of it and am looking for more...)
However I used a lot of non-reproduction fabric and that is what a few of you were curious about...
I did it because the 1930 quilts that I really love are first scrappy and second don't read as strictly pastel. Generally this means some 1900 or dress making fabrics slipped into the mix.
For instance this is a top (photo above) I made years ago that became a UFO...love the fabrics but not inspiring. Too pastel and flat for me. Also, since most of the fabrics are busy you don't really notice any of them...and some are really fun!
Just adding a bit of fabrics that allow the eye to rest sparks the quilt up a bit...
Then I started seeing this in antique and vintage quilts...
This is a "nice" Quilt...the fabrics within the block are fairly flat but the solids set them off.
This is an "exciting" quilt-top (granted this is only my opinion but as it is my blog...) The variation in patterns really draws your eye to the novelty/specialty fabrics in this top...
This was the first time I'd ever seen fabric celebrating Cab Calloway and other Jazz Musicians! (the blue and the maroon fabrics
Here is another quilt-top from that time period that inspires some of my fabric choices...
So now when I make a 1930's inspired quilt I try to add some fabrics that are either solid or read solid. I don't put too many "star" fabrics next to each other (maybe I'll start calling them "diva" fabrics since they "want to be alone...") And I look for fabrics that will add texture (stripes, checks, chevrons polka dots) which don't usually come in the 1930's collections but do show up in the 1903's quilts.
Think that answers the questions. Remember that is just my approach...you do it the way you like when you make your quilt! (that is my only rule!)
8 comments:
Thanks for sharing the beautiful eye candy today. Mmmmmm.
You have the exact same reaction to 30s quilts as I do. They need more "something" and you have hit the nail on the head. I, too, collected quite a few of them when I was new to quilting and now they are languishing on the shelf. Maybe if there were a few Kaffes in amongst them (he has quite a few dotted and striped fabrics), that would be the ticket for spicing them up some. Great inspiration. Thanks.
I think you've really hit the nail on the head when it comes to the charm of 1930's quilts. It is certainly the oddball or solid inclusions that create such dramatic appeal!!!!
You have shown some gorgeous examples, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and photos, they are such an inspiration!!!!!
What fun fabrics in your quilts. All the quilts are great. Thanks for the info about the period.
I'm having a Twilight Zone moment. Just a few hours ago I commented on a friend's blog that her '30s blocks read as too '30s to me and some solids would really help.
Very informative! Repro 30s' fabrics are all such sweet prints, and genuine 30s' quilts just aren't like that - you are so right! Your quilts have that something extra that keeps me looking. Great post!
I just used the last of my orange elephants (you called Middle East, but I always thought India - Asia) too. They are in an I SPY for my son.
Excellent post! Really useful info, Sio. I'll remember you did a post on 30's next time I get ready to work with them. :)
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